A couple of days ago, Beth called me to share one of her "happy places"- a place she could visit that brought her happiness and it got me to thinking...
I have a lot of happy places.
But this is about happy places with Beth and this goes back 32 years. There was a strawberry field-she was in a baby carrier and as I picked strawberries so did she. I don't even think she was walking yet. My berries went in a bucket and hers went in her mouth. The farmer kept telling me he was gonna weigh my kid before and after she left the field. I can't go back to that particular field, but every time I smell ripe strawberries I have to smile. I'm reminded of this every time she raids my pantry for strawberry jam.
Then there was the city of New Orleans. The sweet smell of fried pastries. The sound of jazz. The mystery of fortune tellers. My daughter explaining to the general population that it was ok to drop money in the open instrument cases for the musicians. I felt honored to work there after a hurricane. The people are amazing and very patient with little people.
Can I just say "softball field"? The memories and locations could go on for quite a while. There's the wonderful feeling your rear gets when it goes numb, the heat and humidity, and the thrill of watching a very determined girl do what no one thought was possible. So thin and gangly, putting a ball into the outfield and loping the bases like it was no big deal.
St. Edward's church-where all my children were baptized, made their first communion, and prayed. Watching Beth pray, made me proud. Yes, I know I was supposed to have my eyes closed, but there was an incident of bubble wrap in the pews for which my children were responsible. Watching them as altar servers-all three together-brought tears to my eyes. Such a proud mama moment. My eyes were too teary to focus so I'll always be grateful to my mom for capturing this on film.
Cumberland Island. A beautiful place by the sea. The smell of salt in the air. The wild horses strolling on the beach. The sea turtle nests. Watching my daughter enjoy the beauty of it all and knowing she loved the feel of the sun as much as I do.
Hot Springs. Watching my kids jump in the water. Hearing their laughter. Watching Bowser the Bassett on the inner tube with his big ole years flapping in the wind. That crazy dog loving every minute of it. The feel of a winning horse. The smell of the racetrack. Later, watching Beth walk down the isle. Feeling so blessed to be among her bridesmaids. And on one of the most important days of her life, she has one of my favorite songs played for me. Never has "Ave Maria" sounded so good. I still get chill bumps on my arms remembering Danni's voice. That night watching Beavis and Lauren tear up the dance floor. Laughing with my favorite Aunt and sisters well into the night.
And the best part about my happy places with Beth? They're not over.
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